OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940198

Requisition No: 841650 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I - 37940198

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 37940198 

Salary:  $20.30 - $22.83 per hour 

Posting Closing Date: 12/11/2024 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST I

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

Our Organization and Mission:   

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water, and land. The vision of DEP is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystem. 

The Work You Will Do:   

 The OPS Environmental Specialist I, position number 37940198 , is in the Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration’s Biology Program, Molecular Biology section in Tallahassee and will be responsible for preparing environmental samples for qPCR analysis and performing laboratory maintenance activities. This work provides the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available.

The Difference You Will Make: 

Water and natural resources are the foundation of Florida's communities, economy, and way of life. The Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) is charged with protecting, maintaining, and improving the quality of Florida’s springs, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters.  DEAR team members provide the department and other resource agencies with the highest quality laboratory services available; provide technical support to the department and the public regarding water quality analysis and data quality assurance (QA); manage water quality data repositories for data storage and use by the department, other agencies and the public; and work together to monitor and assess Florida’s surface water and groundwater quality, develop strategies to reduce pollution, and work closely with local stakeholders to implement comprehensive restoration strategies that improve the lives of all Floridians and preserve aquatic resources for generations to come.

How You Will Grow:   

DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:  

The work location of this position is in Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida. The city hosts the Capital of Florida and seat of state government. The city is home to numerous parks offering outdoor activities, league sports and natural trails for running, hiking and biking. Tallahassee is located just 22 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to some of the world's top beaches. Florida State University, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee Community College and several smaller colleges in the region offer a hub for academic research, athletics, art, music and other student activities. 

OPS/Seasonal/Part Time Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:  

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s benefits package for eligible OPS employees includes:

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*).  For more details consult with People First at 877-562-7287 or go to:  https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/health/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). (For more information, please click  Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;

For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per week) refer to the links above for detailed eligibility requirements.

Pay: 

 $20.30 – $22.83  Hourly

Your Specific Responsibilities:  

In carrying out the duties of this position, the incumbent is expected at all times to be aware of and abide by the Department’s Standards of Conduct, as well as any and all departmental and/or work unit rules, directives, policies, procedures, and/or general orders applicable to performing the duties of this position.

This entry level environmental position will:

Perform sample filtration and extraction for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses.

Prepare reagents, standards, and media for sample analysis.

Perform quality control and pipette calibrations in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Perform equipment cleaning, maintenance, and calibration.

Use LIMS to record reagent and sample information.

Participate in glassware cleaning.  Ensure laboratory cleanliness.

Participate in field sampling and cross training activities as needed.

Other work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience preparing reagents and standards.
• Experience with DNA extraction methods.

• Knowledge of general microbiology and molecular biology.
• Knowledge of biological and laboratory QA/QC principals and methods.
• Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment such as balance, autoclave, centrifuge, vortexer etc.
• Skill in collecting, recording, and interpreting scientific data.
• Skill in determining workload priorities and ensuring proper completion of work assignments.
• Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and internet resources.
• Ability to use laboratory personal protective equipment and work with acids, acetone, and other chemicals.
• Ability to understand and follow technical instructions for laboratory analysis, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to work at counter height for long stretches of time with periods of frequent movement about the laboratory.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 
• Ability to think and work independently.
• Ability to participate in sampling for special studies.
• Ability to maintain a valid Driver License and travel.
• Experience preparing reagents and standards.
• Experience with DNA extraction methods.

Required or Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or any combination of post-secondary education or verifiable related experience, as described above, for a total of 4 years.
• An official transcript is required of the selected candidate to confirm qualifications for the position.

Other Job Related Requirements for this position:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Travel

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferrable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@dep.state.fl.us

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.